Sake San Jose 2013 is just days away and tickets are still eligible with Early Bird pricing, which is available until May 19^th. In this 2013 Year of the Snake, come join us as we meander through Japantown as the sake pours like water. This year features 26 pouring stations and 34 sakes for participants to sample, including  old favorites and new ones to crave. New to sake or ready to turn your taste for sake into a passion? This year, the event also features 10-15 minute Sake 101 classes from Jesse Pugach, a sake specialist from Southern Wine and Spirits, so you can shed your sake-novice skin. These sessions have limited seating, but are open to all participants on a first-come seating basis.

Opening ceremonies will officially kick-off the event featuring a traditional cask breaking ceremony.  Kagamiwari (cask breaking ceremony) is a Japanese tradition in which the circular lid of a sake cask is broken with a wooden mallet to celebrate an important event. San Jose Taiko will be providing a special performance at the opening ceremonies, and there will be some special pourers at this event, including television personalities Rick Quan and Robert Handa.

Once again, State of Grace’s renowned tattoo artist, Horitaka has graciously contributed his talents for the event’s logo design.  This unique design can be found on 2013 Sake San Jose merchandise which will be available for purchase online and on the day of the event.

While this will inevitably continue this year for some, you could also extend that concept to the sakes we’re literally bringing to the table. In addition to adding new sakes for this year’s event (E.g. TY KU, etc.), Sake San Jose also welcomes back participant favorites, such as Hakutsuru, Joto Sake, Sake One, Takara, Ozeki and Gekkeikan. All the sakes have uniqueness and nuances that draw people to discern their favorite profiles and also illuminate how diverse and (sometimes minutely) distinctive the world of sake can be. Whether you’re a die-hard sake fan (ichi…ni…san…!!) or spiritedly curious, we’re sure you’ll find your palate’s niche.

There will be 25 pouring stations and 40 sakes flowing down Jackson Avenue, from Western Contract Furniture up near 6th Street, to the James Akiyama Wellness Center south of 4th street. As with last year, Jackson Avenue will become a Raffle Road for all participants, where completing tastings leads to a raffle drawing for a mixed box of sake. So come on down!! We can’t wait to see you.

Sake San Jose is pleased to welcome a new sake to the line-up for our 6th annual event on May 26th.  TY KU sake is the mastermind behind an award-winning collection of sakes with a twist. Featuring natural ingredients, dynamic flavor profiles, and sleek presentation, TY KU sakes invite drinkers to immerse in sensation with every sip. TY KU also aims to inspire taking sake tasting to a new level, with fresh sake cocktail ideas and sake education.

Welcome to Sake San Jose, TY KU. Pour. Sip. Elevate.

http://www.trytyku.com/ | @TeamTYKU | contact@trytyku.com

As a shop self-proclaimed to be “rooted from a melting pot of chicanos, south pacific islanders, tattooers and graff heads,” Cukui Clothing Company boasts a collection of eclectic neo-urban art and streetwear at their location on Jackson Street. This is a perfect flavor to add to the blend of Japantown.

Rounding out this trio at the tail end is Biscuits, a retail pet store that does more than throwing your dog a bone. For the dog or cat in your life, this pet boutique showcases products that are both natural and organic, and also offers services like teeth cleaning and nail clipping, and promotes the adoption of puppies in need a of a good home. “We are very excited to partake in Sake San Jose this year. Biscuits has been a part of Japantown San Jose since July of 2010, and we are very proud and excited to be a new addition to the community. We take pride in being able to provide healthy alternatives for local dog/cat owners and continue to build genuine relationships with our customers. Please stop by and visit us at 223 Jackson St, San Jose, CA. Also don’t forget to check us out at www.shopbiscuits.com for more information.”

Thanks to all participating Japantown businesses!! Sake San Jose raises a plastic sake sample cup to you!!

The tickets for this premium event are $80, which include both the private tasting event and the public event on Jackson St. As with the regular event tickets, 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Yu-Ai Kai Senior Services, a nonprofit senior center, in Japantown. We hope to see you there!!

Update (5/17/2011)!! Ever heard of “legs for days?” Not quite the same,but close: recently found that Chuka Iidako (tender baby octopus, sweet shoyu dressing) & Tako Wasabi (octopus salad with wasabi) are on the menu too. Kanpai Hachi-soku!

Roy’s Station Coffee and Teas is built on the historic site of a gas station run by Roy Murotsune and his brothers, from post WWII to 1990. The closing of the gas station left the spot mostly vacant, after years of being a Japantown landmark. The coffee shop has emerged to breathe new life into the location and is run by Carole Rast, daughter of Murotsune, and some of her family. They continue the spot’s tradition of fueling customers, this time with with a different source of energy, which includes coffee from Barefoot Coffee Roasters, tea from Teance, assorted pastries, and Japanese snacks from Tengu Sushi. Roy’s Station is open daily, and on May 26th will be serving customers until 9PM.

Pre-sale orders for this exclusive Sake San Jose 2011 tshirt are now being accepted.  Please visit www.sakesanjose.com to order yours today!

Sake San Jose is back to celebrate, Year of the Rabbit style. Join us for one of the most anticipated fundraisers of the year, as once again we take to the streets of San Jose to sample over 25 sakes and get a taste of the prolific food, flavor and culture of one of the three remaining Japantowns in the United States.

Sakes made in Japan and the US, such as daiginjo, ginjo and junmai grades will be available for tasting at over 25 Japantown businesses, providing a great opportunity for connoisseurs and novices alike to sample and learn about a variety of sakes. The sixth annual SSJ will also debut an Akiyama Premium Sake Tasting, where industry experts will guide more ardent tasters through a special collection of premium sakes and accompanying “small plates” in the James Akiyama Wellness Center’s Sakura Room. These limited-quantity tickets include participation to the regular SSJ event as well.

Thank you for your continued support of Yu-Ai Kai and its healthy aging programs. For more information, please visit www.yuaikai.org or www.sakesanjose.com.